I know, I know, I know. I have been unforgiveably lax in my updates for this blog as of late. My only excuse is that the internet aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam is disgustingly slow and absurdly expensive (55 cents a minute!). Therefore I have stayed away. However, I want to make sure you all know that I am still alive and a few pounds heavier than last I wrote.

That is right boys and girls. I have definitely gained weight. And I have enjoyed every minute of it. Can we just talk about the food on this ship for a second? First of all they thrust meal after meal in your face. It's as if you just finished eating and they are giving you more food. Add to that the fact that there is so much variety... I just get anxiety attacks thinking about it. How can I choose between the filet mignon and the lobster tail?! It just isn't fair. Anyway, what I am trying to get across here is that there is a lot, A LOT of food on this ship, and it has been a nice break from the constant baguette and kebab

. However, now I will have to starve myself for the next three weeks just to get back to normal. Good thing I'm going back to England where the food is lack-luster.

The food isn't the only thing to rave about. The ship itself, the activities, and the staff are all amazing. You never want for anything. It's like living in a 5-star hotel...that moves. There are tons of shows, from magic shows to cabaret, classes on how to make a good martini or how to create towel animals. Honestly, I don't know when they expect you to sleep on this ship. Between the shore excursions, the eating, and the activities, you are lucky if you get a 15 minute nap. And did I mention how awesome the staff is? Because they are amazing. Actually, I'm on a first name basis with a few of the waitors and cooks. Yeah, that's right. Most of them are from the Phillipines and they are all so much fun and so helpful. Quite honestly, I am now planning a trip to the Phillipines because of how wonderful the staff has been. Talk about the happiest, funniest group of people.

That's pretty much a run down of what life has been like these past few days: AKA HEAVEN! Oh yeah, the excursions! Honestly there has not been enough time in most of our ports of call. But I guess that's what is to be expected when you are on a cruise

. We started out in Venice, which is beautiful and crowded and has the prices to match. Since then we have been to Dubrovnik, a gorgeous city with LOTS of people; Corfu, which reminded us of Mexico; Argostoli, a charming town on a charming Island; Santorini, 900 steps up a cauldera fighting against a crap ton of mules and trying not to step in their poo; Catania, Sicily, some of the worst traffic and one of the best food markets I've ever seen!; Pompeii, an enormous city of ruins, which we did not get to see a lot of unfortunately; Rome, which is, well, Rome; and lastly Livorno where we took an excursion to the charming town of Lucca and the rediculously touristy town of Pisa. And now we are in route to Barcelona. It has been a busy couple of weeks and it has gone by super quick. I wish I had more time to tell you about each place in detail, but alas the internet is not quick enough. I will hopefully be able to get some pictures up sooner or later. Until that time I hope this has satisfied a little bit of the curiosity. And now, I believe it is time to go lay by the pool...and try not to eat any of the food they shove in my face.

Adios!

PS: I can still fit in my pants, so that is a relief...

PPS: I'm sorry for any misspelled words...this internet sucks, did I mention that?